Appellation: a geographical location that defines the area grapes of a certain wine are grown.
The first known appellation (vineyard classification system) was documented in Hungary around 1730. In the U.S. an American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a grape-growing region distinguishable by geographic features. Wineries will petition a specific area and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is responsible for determining its status as an AVA. There are over 97 AVA's just in the state of California. An AVA can grow many types of grapes. Interestingly, one vineyard may be in more than one AVA. At least 85% of the grapes used to make a wine must be grown in the specified area if an AVA is referenced on its label.
